AIR DIFFUSION COUNCIL

Manufacturers of Flexible Air Duct

Flexible Duct Performance

ADC AIR DIFFUSION COUNCIL

& Installation Standards

Fifth Edition

ADC AIR DIFFUSION COUNCIL, SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS

Flexible Duct
Performance and
Installation Standards

Fifth Edition
Copyright 2010
Air Diffusion Council

AIR DIFFUSION COUNCIL

1901 N. Roselle Rd. Suite 800
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Telephone: (847) 706-6750 Fax: (847)706-6751
Email: info@flexibleduct.org Web: www.flexibleduct.org

Mission Statement of The Air Diffusion Council

The purpose for which the Air Diffusion Council was formed, as stated in its Certification of
Incorporation, is to promote and further the interests of manufacturers of air distribution equip-
ment, more specifically, flexible air ducts and related products, and the interests of the general
public in the areas of safety, quality, efficiency and energy conservation, and to this end,
develop programs approved and supported by the membership that legally promote and further
these interests, such as:

To encourage, assist and support the maintenance and development of credible and
effective industry standards for the installation, use and performance of flexible duct
products; to promote the use of those standards by various code bodies, government
agencies; architects, engineers, heating and air conditioning contractors, etc. so that
the best interests of the public may be served.

To collect and disseminate lawful information of value to members of the Council, the
general public and others and to act as a clearing house for all such information, as
well as providing a means by which the interests of the individual members of the
Council can be protected, defended, supported more vigorously and effectively in
legal association with others who share those interests.

ADC Bylaws, Article 1, Section 2 (1996)

 Table of Contents
Foreword ....................................................................................... iii

References ................................................................................... iii

Glossary of Terminology ............................................................... iv

1 Introduction .................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................... 1
1.2 Scope ......................................................................... 1
1.3 Units of Measurement ................................................ 1
1.4 Classification .............................................................. 1

2 Characteristics of Flexible Duct ................................................. 2

2.1 Description ................................................................. 2
2.2 Typical Styles - Figures 1-5 ....................................... 2

3 Testing, Listing, Reporting & Certifying ................................... 3

3.1 General Requirements .............................................. 3
3.2 Listing Requirements - Table 1 .............................. 3
3.3 Performance Values - Table 2 ............................ 4
3.4 Performance Requirements ................................... 5, 6
3.5 Material Characteristics ............................................. 7
3.6 Methods of Test ......................................................... 7
3.7 Product Marking ........................................................ 8
3.8 Product Certification .................................................. 8
ii
3.9 Product Packaging ......................................... 8

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

4 Installation Requirements .......................................................... 9
4.1 Code Reference ........................................................ 9
4.2 Installation Restrictions and Use Limitations ......... 9
4.3 General ....................... 9
4.4 Installation and Usage - Figures 6-9 ........................ 10
4.5 Duct Sizing and Routing - Figures 10-18 ........ 11 to 14
4.6 Supporting Flexible Duct - Figures 19-26 ....... 15, 16
4.7 Connecting, Joining, and Splicing ... 17
4.7.1 Installation Instructions - Nonmetallic ........ 18
4.7.2 Alternate Installation Instructions - Nonmetallic ... 19
4.7.3 Installation Instructions - Metallic ... 20

5 Typical Accessories - Figures 27-37 .................................. 21, 22

6 General Commentary ................................................................ 23

6.1 Fire Safety ............................................................... 23
6.2 Duct Leakage ........................................................... 23
6.3 Thermal Resistance (R-value Rating) .................. 24
6.4 Certification of Thermal Performance .... 24
6.5 Field Alterations ....................................................... 24
6.6 Exposure to UV Radiation and Sunlight ............... 24
Notes ... 25
 Foreword
This standard was developed by the Air Diffusion Council. no responsibility nor accepts any liability for the
It is intended for use by the HVAC industry, including application or techniques contained in the
manufacturers, designers, installers, contractors, code standard.
bodies, inspectors and end users.
This standard is subject to review and revision as
The Flexible Duct Performance and Installation Standard is the art of the industry advances or experience in
to be used as a comprehensive document in evaluating, the industry may dictate.
selecting, specifying and installing flexible duct in heating,
air conditioning and ventilating systems.
AIR DIFFUSION COUNCIL
1901 N. Roselle Rd., Suite 800
Authorities considering adoption and/or reference of this
Schaumburg, IL 60195
standard should review all federal, state, local and other
Telephone (847)706-6750
applicable regulations. The Air Diffusion Council assumes
Fax: (847) 706-6751
Email: info@flexibleduct.org

References
ACCA Manual D - Residential Duct Design

ACCA Manual Q - Commercial Low Velocity, Low Pressure, Duct Design

ADC Standard FD 72-R1 - Flexible Duct Test Code

ASHRAE 120 - Method of Testing to Determine Flow Resistance of HVAC Ducts and Fittings

ASHRAE Handbook - Fundamentals and Equipment Volumes

iii
ASTM E84 - Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

ASTM E96 - Water Vapor Transmission of Materials in Sheet Form

ASTM C167 - Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations

ASTM C177 - Thermal Conductivity of Materials by Means of the Guarded Hot Plate

ASTM E477 - Duct Liner Materials and Prefabricated Silencers for Acoustical and Airflow Performance

ASTM C518 - Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter

NFPA Standard 90A - Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems

NFPA Standard 90B - Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

NFPA Standard 255 - Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

NAIMA - Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards

SMACNA - HVAC Duct Construction Standards, Metal and Flexible

UL Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory

UL Standard 181 - Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors

UL Standard 181B - Closure Systems for Use With Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors

UL Standard 723 - Tests for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

 Glossary of Terminology
Air Barrier The membrane of the flexible duct which
actually contains the air volume.
Air Connector A category of flexible duct not meeting
the requirements of an Air Duct per UL 181 Standard
(not tested for flame penetration, puncture and impact)
and having limitations on use, length and location as
defined by NFPA 90A and 90B. Air Connectors are
identified by a round shape listing label of the listing
agency.
Air Duct A category of flexible duct tested and
classified as to the Surface Burning Characteristics in
accordance with the UL 181 Standard and identified by
a rectangular shape listing label of the listing agency.
Authority Having Jurisdiction The organization,
office or individual responsible for and having final
approval concerning use of flexible duct and its
installation.
Classification For purposes of this standard, a
method of identifying, marking and specifying flexible
duct as related to listing category, physical style,
positive pressure class and velocity type.
Equivalent Length Additional length added to the
actual duct length in duct sizing calculations to account
for the frictional resistance of fittings, bends, etc (see
Total Equivalent Length).
Excess Length The difference between the fully
stretched cut length and the measured, straight-line,
entrance-to-exit span length.
Flexible Duct A preformed, flexible, tubular passage
for supply, return and exhaust air in HVAC systems.
For purposes of this document, the terms designated
Air Duct and Air Connector are used interchangeably,
however not in their intended use and application.
Friction Loss (Bends) The static pressure loss in
bends of flexible duct, expressed as a dimensionless
coefficient (Co) at a specified bend radius ratio. Co is a
dimensionless coefficient which represents the ratio of
the total pressure loss to the dynamic pressure in
terms of velocity pressure.
Friction Loss (Straight) The static pressure loss in a
straight run of flexible duct, expressed in inches of
water gauge (in. w.g.) per 100 feet [Pa/m].
Inner Core/Liner That portion of insulated flexible duct
which determines the internal dimensions and inner
physical form.
Installation Instructions A manufacturers printed
instructions in accordance with the terms of their listing
which advises the method and materials to install the
flexible duct.
Leakage The time rate of air volume loss expressed in
cubic feet per minute (cfm) [L/s].
Listed A published list by a recognized approving
agency acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction
stating that the flexible duct, tape, mastic, and clamp
have been tested to and comply with the applicable
Standard UL 181/UL 181B and maintains periodic
inspection to assure production of the listed products
are in accordance with the listing.
Listing Mark/Label A printing, tag or other marking
device of the listing agency permanently and promi-
nently affixed to the listed product that certifies compli-
ance to the applicable Standard UL 181/UL 181B and
contains recommendations relating to installation and
maximum physical conditions of use.
Lot A collection of units of a product of a single cate-
gory, style, class and type manufactured under essen-
tially the same conditions and from which a sample is
to be drawn and inspected for conformance to specifi-
cation.
Permeance The time rate of water vapor transmission
through the vapor barrier expressed in U.S. perms
[ng/(sm2Pa)].
Pressure The positive or negative static pressure
expressed in inches of water gauge (in. w.g.) [Pa].
Radiated Noise The sound power level transmitted
through the duct wall, expressed in decibels (dB).
Sag The distance deviation, expressed in inches per
lineal foot [mm/m] of flexible duct, from a horizontal or
inclined plane between suspension points on installed
flexible duct.
Snaking Unnecessary directional change in any plane
(horizontal, vertical, inclined) that produces excess
pressure drop.
Sound Attenuation (Insertion Loss) The extent to
which sound power level is reduced (attenuated) as it
travels through a flexible duct, expressed in decibels iv
(dB).
Sound Generation The sound power level which is
generated by the movement of air through a flexible
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
duct, expressed in decibels (dB).
Thermal Conductivity (k) The time rate of heat flow
through unit thickness of an infinite slab of
homogeneous material in a direction perpendicular to
the surface, induced by unit temperature difference.
Expressed in BTU-in./hr.-ft.2-F [W/(m- C)].
Thermal Resistance (R) The mean temperature
difference, at equilibrium, between two defined
surfaces of material or a construction that induces a
unit heat flow rate through unit area. Expressed in
hr.-ft.2-F/BTU [(m2 -C)/W].
Total Equivalent Length The sum of actual duct
length and the equivalent length of fittings, bends, etc
(see Equivalent Length).
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Invisible radiation in the electro-
magnetic spectrum lying between visable light (380nm)
and x-rays (100nm). UV is arbitrarily categorized into
short, medium and long wavelength bands: UV-A (315-
380nm), UV-B (280-315nm) and UV-C (100-280nm).
UV radiation occurs naturally in sunlight or can be
artificially generated.
Vapor Barrier/Retarder The outer membrane of an
insulated flexible duct.
Velocity The average time rate of air flow expressed
in feet per minute (fpm) [m/s].
1
Introduction
1.1 Purpose 1.4 Classification

This standard sets forth specific methods of Flexible ducts shall be categorized as either Air Ducts
classifying, testing and marking flexible air ducts for or Air Connectors in accordance with testing and listing
indoor comfort heating, ventilating and air conditioning requirements in Table 1. Flexible ducts will appear in
applications. This standard sets forth instructions for one of the following styles (see Figures 1 - 5):
properly installing flexible ducts in air distribution
systems. NM-IL Non Metallic, Insulated lined
with nonporous inner core
1.2 Scope
NM-UN Non Metallic, Uninsulated
This standard includes requirements for both insulated
and non-insulated flexible ducts. No attempt is made in
this standard to designate a specific material or M-I Metallic, Insulated
construction.

Special considerations not covered by this standard M-UN Metallic, Uninsulated

may be required when flexible ducts are used in:

a. Industrial applications; i.e. particulate NM-IP Non Metallic, Insulated

conveying, corrosive atmospheres, excessive
temperatures, etc.
b. Outdoor applications; i.e. continuous exposure
to direct sunlight, weathering elements etc.
with porous inner core
Flexible ducts, as part of this standard and for the
purpose of application use only, shall be one of the
following pressure classes and velocity types.

Ducts shall be listed in conformance to NFPA

Positive Pressure Class Velocity Type
Standards 90A and 90B.
1
Pressure Velocity
a. They shall be tested in accordance with (Up to and including) (Up to and including)
Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Factory-
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, UL 181. 1/2 in. w.g. [125 Pa] 1000 fpm [5.1 m/s]

b. Such ducts shall be installed in accordance with 1 in. w.g. [250 Pa] 2500 fpm [12.7 m/s]
the conditions of their listing.

1.3 Units of Measurement 2 in. w.g. [500 Pa] 4000 fpm [20.3 m/s]

This standard is written in inch-pound (I-P) units 3 in. w.g. [750 Pa] Over 4000 fpm
followed by SI units in brackets [ ]. Metric symbols [20.3 m/s]
and units are consistent with SI policy, however some
4 in. w.g. [1000 Pa]
deviations have been taken in conversion values and
rules-of-rounding. Examples of some deviations are:
6 in. w.g. [1500 Pa]
Diameter conversions are based on 25 mm/in. dia.
A 12 in. duct diameter converts to 300 mm. 10 in. w.g. [2500 Pa]
Length conversions are rounded to the nearest 0.1 m.
A 14 ft. duct length converts to 4.3 m.
Linear dimensions are rounded to the nearest 1 mm.
A 1 in. duct strap converts to 38 mm.
Pressure conversions use 250 Pa/inch w.g.
A pressure of 6 in. w.g. converts to 1500 Pa.

Note: When more precise conversions are required,

follow ASHRAE Policy on SI Units.
 2
Characteristics of Flexible Duct
2.1 Description

Flexible ducts usually are packaged in compressed

form in a variety of lengths with plain ends or as as-
semblies with special end fittings attached to either or
both ends. Diameters generally range from 2" [50 mm]
through 12" [300 mm] in 1 in. [25 mm] increments and
14" [350 mm] through 22" [560 mm] in 2 in. [50 mm]
increments. Most flexible ducts are slightly over-sized
in diameter to fit over standard sheet metal fittings (see
Dimensions and Tolerances in Section 3.5).

2.2 Typical Styles

Figure 3 Style M-I - Metallic, Insulated

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Figure 1 Style NM-IL - Nonmetallic, Insulated,
Lined (Non porous Inner Core)

Figure 4 Style M-UN - Metallic, Uninsulated

Figure 2 Style NM-UN Nonmetallic, Uninsulated

Figure 5 Style NM-IP - Nonmetallic Insulated,

Perforated (Porous Inner Core)
3
Testing, Listing, Reporting
and Certifying
3.1 General Instructions 3.2 Listing Requirements

Flexible ducts conforming to this standard shall be
tested, listed, reported and certified as applicable, in
accordance with the requirements of this standard.
Testing requirements by category are shown in Table
1.
Factory made air ducts and air connectors shall be
tested and listed in accordance with Underwriters
Laboratories Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and
Air Connectors, UL 181. The UL Heating, Cooling,
Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory
publishes such listings.

Table 1 Key to Table 1

Test Air Ducts Air Connectors X Test applicable

Surface Burning - Test not applicable

Characteristics 1 x x
a Applicable to parts of metals not inherently
Flame Penetration x - corrosion resistant.

Burning x x b Test applicable for flexible air ducts and air

connectors that incorporate vapor barriers
Corrosion a x x supported by grommets or other means of field
support.
Mold Growth
and Humidity x x Footnote 1
3
Temperature x x Tests for surface burning characteristics are to be
conducted as specified for Surface Burning
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Puncture x - Characteristics of Building Materials, UL 723 (ASTM

E84, NFPA 255).
Static Load xb xb
Class 0 Material: Shall have surface burning
Impact x - characteristics of zero (flame spread/smoke
developed).
Erosion 2 x x
Class 1 Material: Shall have flame spread rating of
Pressure 2 x x not over 25 without evidence of continued
progressive combustion and a smoke-developed
Collapse 2 x x rating of not over 50.

Tension x x Footnote 2

Torsion x x These three tests, Pressure, Erosion and Collapse,

are run at 2.5 times the manufacturers stated rating
Bending x x for that property. For the erosion test, the variable is
velocity; for the pressure test the variable is positive
Leakage x x pressure; for the collapse test, the variable is
negative pressure.
Listing
Label Shape Rectangular Round
 Testing, Listing, Reporting and Certifying . . . continued

3.3 Performance Values

Table 2 lists the required tests and units of

measurement and recommended values of minimum
performance where applicable.

Table 2

For comparison purpose only. Not for design. For detailed design data, refer to manufacturers product engineering
data.

Property Recommended Performance Value

Thermal Loss* Test - Section 3.4 - Thermal Performance

All diameters R: hrft2F/BTU [(m2C/W] 4.2 [0.74](minimum) @ 75F [24C] mean temperature

Friction Loss Test - Section 3.4 - Friction Loss

12" [300 mm]
diameter Straight:(in.w.g. per 100 ft. [Pa/m]
of duct @ 1000 fpm [5.1 m/s]) 0.3 [2.5] (maximum)

90 bend loss coefficient (Co) 4

@ R/D = 2 1.0 (maximum)

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Acoustical Sound Attenuation Test - Section 3.4 - Acoustical Performance
(dB) Sound Generation Due to complexity of data, no recommended value of
Radiated Noise performance is stated. Refer to Manufacturers Data.

Static Press./Temp Test - Section 3.4 - Static Press./Temp. Performance

12" [300 mm] At Recommended Operating 140 F [60 C] Continuous
diameter Positive Pressure (in. w.g.) [Pa] 180 F [82 C] Intermittent

Leakage Test - Section3.4 - Leakage (Duct Only)

All diameters cfm/in. (dia.)ft. (length) 0.03
[L/s/mm (dia.)m (length) [1.7 x 104]

Leakage Test - Section 3.4 - Leakage (Including Connections)

All diameters cu.ft./hr. [L/s] 0.87 [1.1 x 105] D2 (maximum) where D is
internal duct diameter in inches [mm].

Permeance* Test - Section 3.6

All diameters Water Vapor Transmission Rates of Vapor Barriers
U.S. Perms [ng/(sm2Pa)] 1.0 [57.5] (maximum)

* Not applicable to uninsulated ducts.

 Testing, Listing, Reporting and Certifying . . . continued
3.4 Performance Requirements
Thermal Performance. Thermal loss properties of
insulated flexible duct shall be based on flat sections of
insulation only at installed duct wall thickness and
excluding any air film resistance.
The thermal resistance (R) shall be determined using
the relationship: R = th / k.
Where: R = Thermal resistance (hr-ft2 - F/Btu)
[(m2C)/W] rounded to the nearest 0.1
th = duct insulation wall thickness (in.)
[mm] rounded to the nearest 1/16
inch [2 mm].
k = measured apparent thermal
conductivity (Btu-in/hr-ft2 - F)
[W/(mC)]
The insulations thermal conductivity is measured
according to ASTM C518 or ASTM C177 at 75F [24
C] mean temperature. Installed insulation thickness is
5 determined in the following manner (see note 1 and 2
below).
{ }
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
th = Jacket Layflat Width x 2 - Nom. Core Dia.
3.14159
2 represents the ratio of the total pressure loss to the
The jacket layflat width can be determined by
circumferentially cutting the jacket, removing it from
the duct, laying it on a flat surface and measuring the
width to the nearest 1/16 inch [2 mm].
Note 1 The out-of-package insulation thickness
meaured in accordance with ASTM C167 shall be
equal to or greater than the calculated installed duct
insulation wall thickness.
Note 2 Actual internal core diameter shall be within
the tolerances of +3/8, -0 in. [+9,-0 mm] of nominal
core diameter.
Friction Loss. Friction loss shall be determined in
accordance with the ADC Test Code FD 72-R1 or in
accordance with ASHRAE 120. Friction loss for
straight runs shall be presented in graphical form over
the manufacturers rated velocity range and size
range. Friction loss in 90 bends shall be presented in
graphical form at three different bend radii.
Straight Runs:
Friction loss - inches of water gauge per 100 feet [Pa/
m] of duct, shall be plotted on the horizontal axis, and
Air volume - CFM [L/s] on the vertical axis. For
convenience of the user, corresponding velocities may
also be plotted. For purposes of recommended
performance values in Table 2, a 12" [300 mm]
nominal internal duct size, tested at 1000 fpm [5.1 m/s]
velocity shall be used.
90 Bends:
Friction loss coefficient (Co) - dimensionless
coefficient, shall be plotted on the vertical axis, and
the internal duct diameter shall be plotted on the
horizontal axis. Each R/D value tested shall be plotted.
For purpose of recommended performance values for
12" [300 mm] nominal I.D. duct in Table 2, a loss
coefficient of
R/D = 2 shall be used.
The term Co is a dimensionless coefficient which
dynamic pressure in terms of velocity pressure.
 Testing, Listing, Reporting and Certifying . . . continued

Acoustical Performance. When acoustical properties Static Pressure/Temperature Performance. Flexible

are claimed, the duct shall be tested in accordance duct shall be tested under simultaneous temperature
with ASTM E477 and/or ADC Test Code FD 72-R1. and pressure conditions in accordance with ADC Test
Data shall be presented in the following form: Code FD 72-R1.

Attenuation: Test temperatures and times under this standard shall

Sound attenuation test data shall be reported by
tabulation in either dB/lineal foot [dB/m] or as dB for
specified length (such as dB/3 ft. [1.0 m] or dB/12 ft.
[3.7 m]). In either case, the table of values shall show
attenuation at center frequencies of 125, 250, 500,
1000, 2000, 4000 hertz. The table shall also indicate
whether determinations were made with or without air
flowing and the maximum velocity range to which data
is applicable.
Because this data is not necessarily linear, the limits of
linearity shall be stated. Notes shall accompany data
explaining the limits of use. No additional attenuation
may be claimed for lengths greater than the lengths
tested.
Sound Generation:
Sound generation test data shall be reported for at
least four different velocities selected from the
following range of velocities (shall include maximum
be:
Continuous Temperature/Time - 140 F [60 C] for 164
hours.
Intermittent Temperature/Time - 180 F [82 C] for 4
hours.
For purpose of recommended performance values in
Table 2, a 12 [300 mm] nominal internal duct size
shall be tested. In addition, the smallest and largest
size of the diameter range shall be tested for
comparative performance verification.
Leakage - Duct Only. Leakage shall be determined in
accordance with ADC Test Code FD 72-R1. Duct
leakage shall be reported as an average leakage rate
of air volume loss per unit internal diameter per unit
length (CFM/in.dia./ft.) [L/s/mm dia./m].
6
Leakage - Including Connections. Shall be deter-
mined in accordance with UL 181 requirements.

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

rated velocity): 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500,
3000, 4000 and 6000 fpm. [2.0, 4.1, 5.1, 7.6, 10.2,
12.7, 15.2, 20.3 and 30.5 m/s]

Sound generation test data shall be reported by

tabulation in either dB/linear foot [dB/m] or dB for
specified length tested. Tabulated data shall show
sound generation at center frequencies of 125, 250,
500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 hertz.

Radiated Noise:

Radiated noise reduction shall be reported with 0 air

flow and at one flow of 2500 fpm [12.7 m/s] velocity or
the option of 4000 [20.3] or 6000 [30.5] fpm [m/s]
velocity for each duct diameter tested

Radiated noise reduction shall be reported as dB/

linear foot [db/m] or dB for a specified length at
center frequencies of 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and
4000 hertz.
 Testing, Listing, Reporting and Certifying . . . continued
3.5 Material Characteristics
There are specifications external to this standard
based on specific properties of component materials.
When required, data should be determined and
reported in accordance with the following procedure.
Permeance. Water vapor permeance of the jacketing
material is applicable only to insulated flexible duct.
Permeance shall be tested and reported in accordance
with Section 3.6 Water Vapor Transmission Rates of
Vapor Barriers.
Dimensions and Tolerances. Dimensions and
tolerances of flexible ducts shall be within the
tolerance listed on the manufacturers data sheets.
Length shall not be less than advertised nominal when
measured fully extended in accordance with Section
3.6 Length Measurement.
Sampling. Unless otherwise stated in the purchase
document, quality records maintained by the
manufacturer will suffice in the relationship between
the purchaser and manufacturer. If they mutually agree
7 to accepts lots on the basis of the quality control
records, no further sampling is required.
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
3.6 Methods of Test
Water Vapor Transmission Rates of Vapor
Barriers (Retarders). The water vapor transmission
rate of vapor barriers shall be determined in
accordance with ASTM E96, Procedure A. Specimens
for test shall be selected in the following manner. A
sample of flexible duct shall be selected from
production material which has been stored in its
standard package a minimum of twenty-four (24)
hours. Specimens 12 in. x 12 in. [300 mm x 300 mm]
shall be cut from each at the approximate center of the
sample duct.
WVTR specimens will then be prepared and tested in
accordance with procedures outlined in ASTM E96,
Procedure A.
The permeance of the material shall be reported as the
average of the three determinations tested. The results
are to be reported in U.S. perms [ng/(sm2Pa)].
Length Measurement. A length of flexible duct which
has been packaged in compressed form shall be
measured with a tape after fully extending the duct.
Measure while maintaining the tension.
For referee measurement: Apply an axial load of 25
lbs. [11.3 Kg], measured by a force gauge, to the
product for one minute. Measure the length with the
axial tension applied after the duct is fully extended.
 Testing, Listing, Reporting and Certifying . . . continued
3.7 Product Marking
Listing Mark and Label Information. All ducts shall
be marked, labeled or printed at maximum intervals of
10 ft. [3.0 m] or fraction thereof. Labels shall contain at
least the following information.
a. Identifying mark of the listing agency
b. Manufacturers identification
c. Maximum Positive and Negative pressure
rating
d. Maximum Rated Velocity
e. R-Value (applicable to insulated ducts only)
f. Classification of Surface Burning
Characteristics (Class 0 or 1)
g. Identification as either an Air Duct or Air
Connector
Note 1 Air Connector identification shall further
state Not to be installed in lengths greater than 14
ft [4.3 m].
Note 2 Air Duct labels shall be square or
rectangular in shape; Air Connector labels shall be
round in shape. Reference to listed installation
instructions.
ADC Logo. A mark which is separate and distinct from
the listing mark and label containing the following
information and indicating compliance with this
standard.
3.8 Product Certification
Upon request, the manufacturer shall certify that its
product(s) conform to the requirements of this
standard.
Seal of Certification. A mark separate and distinct
from the ADC label. This seal signifies third-party
verification to a specific performance requirement of
this standard by an ADC Recognized Testing
Laboratory.
8
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
3.9 Product Packaging
Unless otherwise agreed or specified between the
purchaser and the manufacturer, flexible duct shall be
packed in the manufacturers standard commercial
containers.
Unless otherwise specified, each container shall be
marked with the following information:
a. Manufacturer or Brand Name
b. Product designation product name (optional)
c. Size (internal diameter)
d. Nominal Length of duct section
e. Number of sections per container
f. Storage and/or stocking instructions (if any)
g. Production date or date code of the
manufacturer.
Each container shall contain the manufacturers
specific installation instruction. (Optionally, these
instructions may be printed on the container.)
4
Installation Requirements
4.1 Code Reference
The authority having jurisdiction should be
referenced to determine what law, ordinance or code
shall apply in the use of flexible duct.
Ducts conforming to NFPA 90A or 90B shall meet the
following requirements:
a. Shall be tested in accordance with Sections
7 to 23 of Underwriters Laboratories Standard
for Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air
Connectors, UL 181.
b. Shall be installed in accordance with the
conditions of their listing.
c. Shall be installed within the limitations of the
applicable NFPA 90A or 90B Standard.
4.2 Installation Restrictions
and Use Limitations
There are specific restrictions and limitations related to
the use of flexible ducts. Some are due to NFPA
9 Standards, model codes and various state/local codes.
Others are due to end use performance where the
product was not designed for that specific use. Some,
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
but not all inclusive, are as follows:
a. Shall not be used for vertical risers serving
more than two stories in height.
b. Shall not be used in systems with entering air
temperature higher than 250F[121C].
c. Shall be installed in accordance with the
conditions of their listing.
d. When installed in a fire-rated floor/roof ceiling
assembly, ducts shall conform with the design
of the tested fire-resistive assembly.
e. Shall be interrupted at the immediate area of
operation of electric, fossil fuel or solar
energy collection heat sources to meet listed
equipment clearances specified.
f. Air Connectors (does not apply to Air Ducts)
shall not be installed in lengths greater than
14 ft. [4.3 m] for any given run; shall not pass
through any wall, partition or enclosure of a
vertical shaft with a 1 hour or more fire
resistive rating; shall not pass through floors.
g. Shall not penetrate walls where fire dampers
are required.
h. Shall not be used outdoors unless specifically
designed to withstand exposure to direct
sunlight and the weathering elements.
i. Shall not be used to vent appliances for
cooking, heating and clothes drying unless
approved and recommended by the appliance
manufacturer.
j. Shall not be installed in concrete, buried
below grade or in contact with the ground.
4.3 General
The routing of flexible duct, the number of bends, the
degrees in each bend, and the amount of sag or
direction changes (snaking) allowed between support
joints will have serious effects on system performance
due to the increased resistance each introduces (See
Fig 6 & 7). Use the minimum length of flexible duct to
make connections (See Section 4.5). Excess length of
flexible duct shall not be installed to allow for possible
future relocations of air terminal devices.
Avoid installations where exposure to direct sunlight
can occur, e.g. turbine vents, sky lights, canopy
windows, etc. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will
cause degradation of the vapor barrier. Direct
exposure to UV light from a source lamp installed
within the HVAC system will cause degradation of
some inner core/liner materials.
Terminal devices shall be supported independently of
the flexible duct.
Repair torn or damaged vapor barrier/jacket with duct
tape listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B. If internal
core is penetrated, replace flexible duct or treat as a
connection.
 Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.4 Installation and Usage
Install ducts fully extended. Do not install in the
compressed state or use excess length as this will
noticeably increase friction losses. (Refer to Section
4.5 for more specific information regarding pressure
loss and duct sizing.)
Figure 6 - Minimum duct length and bend
radius reduces pressure drop and
improves airflow.
Figure 7 - Excess length and tight bend radius
increases pressure drop and
reduces airflow.
Do not bend ducts across a sharp corner of building
materials such as joists or truss supports.
The bend radius at the center line of ducts shall be
equal to or greater than one duct diameter (See
Figures 8 and 11). Sharper bends increase pressure
drop significantly and reduce airflow.
Figure 8 - Correct. Minimum 1 duct diameter
bend radius reduces pressure drop 10
and improves air flow.
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Avoid incidental contact with metal fixtures, water
lines, pipes, or conduits. Do not install near hot
equipment (e.g. furnaces, boilers, steam pipes, etc.)
that is above the recommended flexible duct use
temperature.
Figure 9 - Incorrect. Contact with steam pipes.
 Installation Requirements . . . continued

4.5 Duct Sizing and Routing
The combined friction and dynamic pressure losses
shall be taken into consideration to properly size any
duct. Pressure losses caused by the roughness of the
duct wall resisting air movement are know as friction
losses. Pressure losses when air flow changes
direction, as caused by bends or when air flows across
other system components, are known as dynamic
losses.
Key points to prevent undersizing or oversizing of
flexible ducts and achieve the designed air delivery
performance:
a. Use a proven method of duct sizing, one that
has taken into consideration both friction and
dynamic losses.
If a flexible duct is not fully extended, the
friction rate increases proportionally with the
compression (See Fig. 10).
When a flexible duct is fully extended, it is
said to have no more than 4% longitudinal
compression and the published friction rate
may be used for duct sizing calculations (0 -
4% = 1 x Friction Rate).
For 15% longitudinal compression the friction
rate can increase by a factor of two (15% = 2
x Friction Rate).
For longitudinal compression of 30% the
friction rate can increase as much as four
times (30% = 4 x Friction Rate).

Design the flexible duct system per the

requirements of ACCA, Manual D
(Residential) and Manual Q (Commercial).

Properly take into account duct length, bend

11 losses, sagging or routing expectations, fitting
losses, etc.
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

b. Have a good understanding of and properly

use the air friction chart.

Do not use data for round sheet metal duct.

Since all flexible ducts are not alike, use the

flexible duct manufacturers air friction loss
data to size the ducts whenever possible.

If no data is available, use the generic flexible

duct friction loss chart in ACCA Manual D.

c. Use the minimum length of flexible duct

needed to make the connections.

Install ducts extended to their fullest length Figure 10 - Compressed duct (not fully ex-
without compression. Due to the helical tended) increases friction rate.
configuration of flexible duct inner cores,
excess longitudinal compression can
dramatically affect the pressure drop.
 Installation Requirements . . . continued

d. Keep bends greater than or equal to one (1) Care shall be taken to minimize sagging or
duct diameter bend radius. snaking of the duct between supports and
minimize pressure loss caused by excessive
direction changes to the airflow.

Figure 13
Figure 11 12

Ducts shall not be crimped against joist or

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

truss members, pipes, wires, etc. as this in-
creases pressure loss and reduces air flow.
e. Properly route and support the flexible duct
runs.

Figure 12

Figure 14
 Installation Requirements . . . continued

f. Properly account for bends in the duct runs.

A 90-degree bend has pressure drop equal to

approximately twenty (20) lineal feet of flexi-
ble duct. So each 90-degree bend will add
twenty (20) equivalent feet to the length used
for sizing calculations.

Figure 16

13
A 180-degree offset has pressure drop equal
to about forty (40) lineal feet of flexible duct.
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Add forty (40) equivalent feet to the length for

each sharp 180-degree offset.

Figure 15

A gradual 45-degree bend has pressure drop

equal to about ten (10) lineal feet of flexible
duct. Add ten (10) equivalent feet to the
length for each gradual bend (see Fig. 16).

Figure 17
 Installation Requirements . . . continued

Duct fittings and any bends and turns in flexible duct The worksheet for determining the total pressure drop
all produce a resistance to airflow. This resistance of the duct run depicted in Figure 18 will look like this:
creates a pressure drop measured in inches water
column (IWC) which is physically equivalent to the Entrance fitting = 35 ft.
pressure drop produced by a straight section of duct. Total duct length = 14 ft.
So the total pressure drop for any duct run equals the 2 x 45 bends (2 x 10) = 20 ft.
sum of the fitting pressure drops and the pressure drop 1 x 90 bend (1 x 20) = 20 ft.
of the straight duct section. Exit fitting = 35 ft.

To determine the correct duct size, take into account
the total equivalent length of the duct run, including
entrance and exit losses from the plenum to the duct
and from the duct into the terminal device, the added
length due to any bends, and the total length of the
duct itself.
Total Equivalent Length = 124 ft.
Although the distance from plenum to terminal end in
this example is approximately 12 feet, the total
equivalent length used to determine the correct duct
diameter would be 124 feet.

Use ACCA Manual D (App. 3) equivalent length values
for bends and fittings.
A typical duct run from plenum to terminal device is
illustrated in Figure 18.
The equivalent length values for bends & fittings
represented above are default values from ACCA
Manual D and based on 900 fpm at 0.08 IWC/100 for
supply ducts and 700 fpm at 0.08 IWC/100 for return
ducts.

14

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Figure 18
 Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.6 Supporting Flexible Duct
Flexible duct shall be supported at manufacturers
recommended intervals, but at no greater distance
than 4 [1.2 m]. Supporting shall be provided so that
the maximum centerline sag is " per foot [42 mm per
meter] of spacing between supports (See Fig 19). A
connection to rigid duct or equipment may be
considered a support joint.
15
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Figure 19
Long horizontal duct runs with sharp bends shall have
additional supports before and after the bend
approximately one duct diameter from the center line
of the bend (See Fig 20).
Figure 20
Hanger or saddle material in contact with the flexible
duct shall be of sufficient width to prevent any
restriction of the internal diameter of the duct when
the weight of the supported section rests on the
hanger or saddle material. In no case will the material
contacting the flexible duct be less than 1 [38 mm]
wide (See Fig 21).
Figure 21
Figure 22
Do not secure support straps in a manner that
compresses the inner core and constricts the air flow.
Care shall be taken to insure the vapor barrier and
insulation material are not excessively compressed
by the support straps. Compressing the insulation
could lead to condensation at the point of contact
between the duct and the strap or saddle material.
 Installation Requirements . . . continued

Factory installed suspension systems integral to the
flexible duct are an acceptable alternative hanging
method when manufacturers recommended proce-
dures are followed.
Support the duct between a metal connection and
bend by allowing the duct to extend straight for at least
one duct diameter before making the bend. This will
avoid possible damage of the flexible duct by the edge
of the metal collar and allow for efficient air flow and
fitting performance (See Fig 25).

Figure 23

Flexible ducts may rest on ceiling joists or truss

supports. Maximum spacing between supports shall
Figure 25 16
not exceed the maximum spacing per manufacturers
installation instruction. Vertically installed ducts

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

shall be stabilized by
support straps at a max.
of 6 [1.8 m] on center.

Figure 24

Note:
Factory-made air ducts may not be used for vertical risers
in air duct systems serving more than two adjacent stories. Figure 26
 Installation Requirements . . . continued

4.7 Connecting, Joining and Splicing
Flexible Ducts
All connections, joints and splices shall be made in
accordance with the manufacturers installation
instructions.
Sheet metal sleeves used for joining two sections of
flexible duct with plain ends shall be a minimum of 4
inches [100 mm] in length and beaded on each end.
Beads are optional for sleeves when using metal
worm-gear clamps or when joining metallic flexible
ducts using sheet metal screws.

Standardized installation instructions conforming to the Flexible ducts secured with nonmetallic clamps shall
connecting and sealing requirements of the national be limited to 6 inches w.g. [1500 Pa] positive pressure.
building codes and this standard are shown in
Sections 4.7.1 through 4.7.3.

Section 4.7.1 - Installation Instructions for Air Ducts

and Air Connectors - Nonmetallic With Plain
Ends (uses tape and clamp to seal and secure the
duct core to the fitting).

Section 4.7.2 - Alternate Installation Instructions for

Air Ducts and Air Connectors - Nonmetallic With Plain
Ends (uses mastic and clamp to seal and secure the
duct core to the fitting).

Section 4.7.3 - Installation Instructions for Air Ducts

and Air Connectors - Metallic With Plain Ends (optional
17 use of tape or mastic and metal screws to seal and
secure the duct core to the fitting).
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Due to the wide variety of ducts and duct assemblies

with special end treatments (factory installed fittings,
taped ends, crimped metal ends, etc.), only these
standardized installation instructions are shown.
Always reference the manufacturers installation
instructions for more detailed requirements.

All tapes, mastics, and nonmetallic clamps used for

field installation of flexible ducts shall be listed and
labeled to Standard UL 181B - Closure Systems for
Use With Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors.

Sheet metal fittings to which flexible ducts with plain

ends are attached shall be beaded and have a
minimum of 2 inches [50 mm] collar length. Beads are
optional for fittings when using metal worm-gear
clamps or when attaching metallic flexible ducts using
sheet metal screws.
Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.7.1 Installation Instructions for Air Ducts and Air Connectors - Nonmetallic with Plain Ends

Connections - Using Tape and Fasteners Splices - Using Tape and Fasteners

1. After desired length is determined, cut completely 1. Fold back jacket and insulation from core. Butt two
around and through duct with knife or scissors. Cut cores together on a 4" [100 mm] min. length metal
wire with wire cutters. Fold back jacket and insulation. sleeve.

2. Slide at least 1" [25 mm] of core over fitting and

past the bead. Seal core to collar with at least 2 wraps 2. Tape cores together with at least 2 wraps of duct
of duct tape. Secure connection with clamp placed tape. Secure connection with 2 clamps placed over the
over the core and tape and past the bead. taped core ends and past the beads.

18

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

3. Pull jacket and insulation back over core. Tape
jacket with at least 2 wraps of duct tape. A clamp may
be used in place of or in combination with the duct 3. Pull jacket and insulation back over cores. Tape
tape. jackets together with at least 2 wraps of duct tape.

NOTES:
1. For uninsulated air ducts and air connectors, disregard references to insulation and jacket.
2. Use beaded sheet metal fittings and sleeves when using nonmetallic clamps.
3. Use tapes listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-FX.
4. Nonmetallic clamps shall be listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-C.
Use of nonmetallic clamps shall be limited to 6 in. w.g. [1500 Pa] positive pressure.
 Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.7.2 Alternate Installation Instructions for Air Ducts and Air Connectors - Nonmetallic with
Plain Ends

Connections and Splices - Using Mastic and Fasteners

Step 1
After desired length is determined, cut completely around and
through duct with knife or scissors. Cut wire with wire cutters.
Pull back jacket and insulation from core.

Step 2
Apply mastic approximately 2" [50 mm] wide uniformly around
the collar of the metal fitting or over the ends of a 4" [100 mm]
min. length metal sleeve. Reference data on mastic container
for application rate, application thickness, cure times and
handling information.

Step 3
Slide at least 2" [50 mm] of core over the fitting or sleeve ends
and past the bead.

19
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Step 4
Secure core to collar with a clamp applied past the bead.
Secure cores to sleeve ends with 2 clamps applied past the
beads.

Step 5
Pull jacket and insulation back over core ends. Tape jacket(s)
with at least 2 wraps of duct tape. A clamp may be used in
place of or in combination with the duct tape.

NOTES:
1. For uninsulated air ducts and air connectors, disregard references to insulation and jacket.
2. Use beaded sheet metal fittings and sleeves when using nonmetallic clamps.
3. Use mastics listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-M on container.
4. Use tapes listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-FX.
5. Nonmetallic clamps shall be listed and labeled in accordance with standard UL 181B and marked 181B-C.
Use of nonmetallic clamps shall be limited to 6 in. w.g. [1500 Pa] positive pressure.
 Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.7.3 Installation Instruction for Air Ducts and Air Connectors - Metallic with Plain Ends

Connections and Splices - Using Tape or Mastic and Sheet Metal Screws
1. After cutting duct to desired length, fold back jacket 4. Secure to collar/sleeve using #8 sheet metal
and insulation exposing core. Trim core ends squarely screws spaced equally around circumference. Use 3
using suitable metal shears. Determine optional screws for diameters under 12" [300 mm] and 5
sealing method (Steps 2 or 5) before proceeding. screws for diameters 12" [300 mm] and over.

2. When mastics are required and for pressures 4"

w.g. [1000 Pa] and over, seal joint with mastic applied 5. For pressures under 4" w.g. [1000 Pa] seal joint
uniformly to the outside surface of collar/sleeve. using 2 wraps of duct tape applied over screw heads
(Disregard this step when not using mastics and pro- and spirally lapping tape to collar/sleeve. (Disregard
ceed to Step 3). this step when using mastics per Step 2).

20

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

3. Slide at least 1" [25 mm] of core over metal collar 6. Pull jacket and insulation back over core. Tape
for attaching duct to take off or over ends of a 4" [100 jacket with 2 wraps of duct tape. A clamp may be used
mm] metal sleeve for splicing 2 lengths of duct. in place of or in combination with the duct tape.

NOTES:
1. For uninsulated air ducts and air connectors, disregard references to insulation and jacket.
2. Use mastics listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B and marked181B-M on container.
3. Use tapes listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-FX.
4. Nonmetallic clamps shall be listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-C.
5
Typical Accessories
5.1 Types

These figures depict typical accessories but do not

represent all available accessories. The designer
should select and approve accessories which are
acceptable for each application taking into account the
inherent pressure loss characteristics of the selected
accessory (Refer to ACCA Manual D and ASHRAE
Fundamentals). This standard is not intended to limit
the selection or the development of accessories for
use with flexible duct.

Figure 29 Ductboard Collar (Spin-In)

21
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Figure 27 Metal Duct Clamp

Figure 30 Sheet metal Collar (Dovetail)

Figure 28 Nonmetallic Mechanical Fastener,

Shall be listed to UL181B

Figure 31 Sheet metal Collar (Spin-In-Straight)

 Typical Accessories . . . continued

Figure 32 Conical Collar (Spin-In) Figure 35 Ductboard Collar (Tabbed)

22

ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

Figure 33 4 [100 mm] min. length Sleeve/Coupling Figure 36 Insulated Box with Collar
(2" [50 mm] length min.)

Figure 34 45 Entry Fitting Figure 37 Flanged Fitting

6
General Commentary
6.1 Fire Safety
Flexible ducts cannot be considered noncombustible,
except metallic non-insulated ducts, but they are
generally regarded as limited-combustible. The UL
181 Safety Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and
Air Connectors is used to investigate safety
performance as referenced in the applicable
International Codes (ICC), Uniform Mechanical Code
(IAPMO), the applicable National Fire Protection Code/
Standards (NFPA), and various other state and local
codes.
The UL 181 Standard has been used for more than 40
years for evaluating safety. The testing procedures
were developed by taking a wide range of safety-
related installation situations into consideration,
including structural integrity and flammability
characteristics. Four (4) fire tests are used to
investigate the flammability and burning characteristics
of flexible duct as follows:
a. The Surface Burning Characteristics (Flame
Spread and Smoke Development) for both
interior and exterior of duct using the 25 ft.
[7.6 m] tunnel test method that is published in
UL 723, the American Society of Testing and
23 Materials (ASTM E84), the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA 255) and the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
b. Ease of ignition/burning test using a Bunsen
burner on both the inner core and outer jacket
of the duct.
c. Flame penetration test using a specially
designed test apparatus to evaluate the
retardation of flame passage from exterior to
interior of the duct.
d. Component flame resistance test conducted
on tapes, fabrics, adhesives, and related
components that are exposed directly to the
air system.
6.2 Duct Leakage
Flexible duct has inherently low leakage properties due
to the impervious nature of the materials used as the
air barrier. These give the flexible duct itself leakage
rates less than of 1% of air volume when proper
connections are made to other system components.
A higher than expected leakage rate can occur at
connections if improper materials or careless work
practices are used. To assure a low leakage rate for
flexible duct systems, the following is required:
a Reference applicable industry manuals
(SMACNA, NAIMA) for making round tap-ins
into and sealing fitting joints to rigid ducts,
plenums, etc.
b. Make flexible duct connections/splices in
accordance with the manufacturers
recommended installation instructions or this
Standard.
c. Seal flexible duct connections with sealing
materials listed and labeled to Standard UL
181B. Mechanically secure connections with
approved clamping material.
d. Repair any rip, tear or hole in the air barrier
using materials listed and labeled to Standard
UL 181B and methods recommended by the
manufacturer.

6.3 Thermal Resistance (R-value Rating)
The thermal resistance (R-value) requirements for air
distribution ducts can vary depending on the energy
code being enforced. For insulated ducts, the minimum
thermal value in conformance with this standard is R-
4.2 [0.74]. Uninsulated ducts have no R-value rating.
To accommodate the varying levels of R-values
required by the building codes, ADC manufacturers
commonly offer insulated flexible duct with R-value
ratings of 4.2 [0.74], 6.0 [1.06] and 8.0 [1.41].
Thermal resistance (R-value) for this standard is
determined in accordance with Thermal Performance
in Section 3.4. The value, excluding any film
resistance, is determined on flat sections of insulation
only at installed duct wall thickness and in accordance
with ASTM C518 at 75F [24C] mean temperature. R-
values based on dynamic thermal tests are not part of
this standard.
6.4 Certification of Thermal Performance
For credence, ADC maintains a third-party verification
of R-value ratings in accordance with Thermal
Performance in Section 3.4 and Certification
Section 3.8 of this standard. An adjunct testing and
follow-up program is established with Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. for flexible ducts listed and labeled to
Standard UL 181. This program includes testing,
classifying, follow-up testing and labeling of R-values
at both the insulation manufacturer and the flexible
duct manufacturer. ADC members participating in this
rigorous thermal certification program are eligible to
mark their product with the ADC Seal of Certification
for Thermal Performance as shown below.
Thermal Performance
General Commentary . . . continued
6.5 Field Alterations
Flexible ducts complying with this standard are listed
to the UL 181 Safety Standard for Factory-Made Air
Ducts and Air Connectors and shall be installed per
the conditions of their listing.
Alterations made in the field, such as applying
additional overwraps of insulation or barriers, adding
spray-foam insulation, surface painting, applying
internal sanitizers or spray sealants, etc. may
compromise the fire safety performance of the duct
and void the manufacturers listing and/or product
warranty.
6.6 Exposure to UV Radiation and Sunlight
Some polymeric materials used to manufacture
nonmetallic flexible ducts will degrade with prolonged
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation
occurs naturally in sunlight or can be artificially
generated by specialized lamps.
The outer barrier (jacket) may degrade if ducts are
in installed outside in direct sunlight or within attics, crawl
spaces, etc. where direct sunlight enters, e.g. turbine
24
vents, sky lights, canopy windows, etc.
The inner core (liner) may degrade if ducts are
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
positioned near a bio-treatment lamp (UV emitter)
installed within the HVAC system.
Unless the product is specifically designed to
withstand the exposure to UV light, care should be
taken to ensure the outer vapor barrier and inner core
material are shielded from direct sunlight and UV
radiat ion. Referenc e the manufacturers
recommendations for specific product information
related to UV exposure.
Notes
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition

25